Kaizer Chiefs could receive a significant boost ahead of their highly anticipated Carling Knockout Cup semi-final against Mamelodi Sundowns, with several players expected to return from injury.
Amakhosi are preparing for a difficult trip to Pretoria, where they will face the defending South African football heavyweights in a battle for a place in the final.
However, coach Fernando da Cruz could have some exciting options available, with Khanyisa Mayo and Langelihle Phili edging closer to their returns, while new signing Elias Mokwana could finally make his long-awaited debut.
The potential availability of the trio could provide Chiefs with additional attacking options at a crucial stage of the season.
Elias Mokwana Could Make His Kaizer Chiefs Debut
Mokwana is among the six players recruited by Chiefs ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, but supporters are still waiting to see the winger in action.
The former Bafana Bafana international is expected to bring experience, pace and attacking creativity to the Amakhosi squad.
Chiefs legend Mandla Masango believes the signing represents a positive addition, particularly because younger players such as Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala could benefit from his experience.
Speaking to FARPost, Masango also highlighted the potential impact Mokwana could have on the development of emerging talents at Naturena.
He believes the presence of experienced players will help the younger generation improve, while also creating stronger competition for places in the team.
Masango additionally singled out Faiz Abrahams, praising the youngster’s performances when introduced from the bench and suggesting that he deserves more opportunities.
Phili and Mayo Could Strengthen Chiefs’ Attack
Mokwana is not the only player Chiefs supporters are hoping to see against Sundowns.
Head coach Fernando da Cruz recently indicated that Khanyisa Mayo and Langelihle Phili had returned to training and could be available again soon.
Phili’s return would be particularly encouraging for Amakhosi, considering the impressive attacking qualities he displayed before suffering an injury shortly after joining the club.
The former Stellenbosch FC attacker has been viewed as an important attacking option, and his pace and direct approach could give Sundowns problems.
Mayo, meanwhile, would provide additional competition in the attacking department as he looks to establish himself at Chiefs following his move to Naturena.
However, their availability and match fitness will be important considerations before Da Cruz decides whether to include them in his starting XI.
Can Kaizer Chiefs Upset Mamelodi Sundowns?
The Carling Knockout Cup semi-final presents Chiefs with another opportunity to demonstrate their progress under Da Cruz.
Facing Sundowns will be a difficult assignment, but the possible return of key attacking players could give Amakhosi a welcome boost.
Having Mokwana, Phili and Mayo available would provide the coach with more tactical options, particularly if the match requires fresh attacking energy from the bench.
Nevertheless, supporters will have to wait for confirmation of the players’ fitness before knowing whether they can feature in the crucial encounter.
Should Elias Mokwana make his Kaizer Chiefs debut against Mamelodi Sundowns, or should Fernando da Cruz introduce him gradually?
